Arrest Report - Monday - October 5, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Monday, October 5, 2026:
Dry, Pleasant Weather Returns Before Weekend Rain Chances Increase
A stretch of drier and more seasonable early-October weather is settling into northwest Georgia following the passage of a cold front, but forecasters say rain chances will return by the weekend as Gulf moisture begins moving back into the region.
Clouds will gradually give way to mostly sunny skies today, with a high near 80 degrees. North winds around 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph at times. Some lingering low clouds, patchy fog and drizzle may remain around parts of north Georgia early in the day before conditions continue to improve.
Skies will become mostly clear tonight as cooler and noticeably drier air filters into the area. The overnight low is expected to fall to around 57, with north winds between 5 and 10 mph and occasional gusts up to 20 mph.
The National Weather Service says Tuesday should feel much more like a typical early-October day across northwest Georgia. Sunshine returns in full, humidity levels drop and the high will reach around 81 degrees. Tuesday night will be clear and comfortable, with temperatures falling to around 53.
Dry weather is expected to continue through the remainder of the workweek. Wednesday will be sunny with a high near 83, followed by clear skies Wednesday night and a low near 54. Thursday remains sunny and a little warmer with a high near 86, while Friday will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching around 85.
Overnight lows through the period will generally remain in the 50s, making for noticeably cooler mornings compared with the humid conditions seen ahead of the front.
The pattern begins to change over the weekend as moisture increases from the Gulf of Mexico. Saturday brings a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a high near 80. Rain chances increase to 40 percent Saturday night.
By Sunday, showers and thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread, with a 60 percent chance of precipitation and a cooler high near 76.
Forecasters are also monitoring an area in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico where conditions could become favorable for tropical development. At this point, the primary concern for north and central Georgia is an increase in Gulf moisture and a return to a more unsettled weather pattern rather than any specific tropical impacts.
The National Weather Service says extensive cloud cover and the possible development of a cooler-air wedge could hold temperatures down over the weekend. Breezy conditions may also develop, depending on the eventual track and strength of the Gulf low-pressure system and its interaction with high pressure to the north.
Residents can expect several pleasant fall days before the next opportunity for widespread rain arrives this weekend.
Woman Indicted In Alleged Hays State Prison Drug-Smuggling Case
A woman arrested last December following an investigation into an alleged drug-smuggling operation at Hays State Prison has now been indicted by a Chattooga County grand jury on multiple felony drug charges.
Santana LaJuana Jackson was indicted on two counts of trafficking in drugs, two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, crossing a guard line with contraband and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The charges stem from an investigation that began December 21, 2025, after authorities received information about suspicious activity near Hays State Prison.
According to information reported by WZQZ News at the time, a witness reported seeing a woman get out of a vehicle and place a suspicious package in a wooded area near Underwood Drive, close to the prison.
Chattooga County deputies responded to the area and reportedly discovered a laundry detergent box containing a pair of black Nike shoes. A cell phone was also found nearby.
The investigation eventually led authorities to Jackson.
According to the original report, officials at Hays State Prison reviewed surveillance video that appeared to show Jackson exchanging shoes with an inmate inside the prison.
When prison personnel examined the shoes, authorities said they discovered a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine concealed inside the soles.
Jackson allegedly acknowledged that the shoes and cell phone discovered near Underwood Drive belonged to her.
Investigators alleged the drugs were intended to be taken into Hays State Prison for distribution. Special agents with the Georgia Department of Corrections assisted the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office with the investigation.
The December arrest came amid continuing efforts by state and local law enforcement to combat contraband entering Hays State Prison.
WZQZ News had reported just days before Jackson’s arrest on continuing contraband-smuggling attempts involving Hays and other Georgia prisons. Methods used in prison contraband operations have included outside drops and drones, with authorities recovering drugs, cell phones and other prohibited items.
The problem has continued into 2026. In September, a large drone carrying suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, cell phones and other items crashed on Chattooga County property on Stockade Road in Summerville. Authorities believe that the drugs were likely headed to Hays State Prison.
Jackson’s case has now moved from the initial arrest and investigation to a formal grand jury indictment in Chattooga County Superior Court.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not constitute a finding of guilt. Jackson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Sources:
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — More Details About December 21st Alleged Drug Drop Near Hays State Prison
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — Contraband Crackdown: Hays State Prison Again In The Spotlight As Smuggling Attempts Continue Across Georgia
Chattooga County Superior Court — Grand Jury Indictment
WZQZ News / ChattoogaInfo — Drone Carrying Drugs And Cell Phones Crashes On Chattooga County Property
A Bloodhound, A Bank Robbery And A Sheriff’s Bill From 1914
A handwritten receipt shared last week on social media by the Chattooga County Historical Society provides a fascinating glimpse into law enforcement in Chattooga County more than a century ago — and connects with one of the county’s most dramatic crimes of the era.
The document is a sheriff’s voucher from 1914 associated with Chattooga County Sheriff M.W. Wimpee. Among the expenses listed is the cost of keeping and maintaining a bloodhound dog from June 17 through August 17, 1914.
The county was charged 25 cents per day for 62 days, bringing the total bill for keeping the dog to $15.50.
The bloodhound is an especially interesting part of the record because tracking dogs had played an important role earlier that year in the investigation of the Bank of Lyerly robbery.
The Bank Of Lyerly Robbery
In the early morning hours of January 30, 1914, burglars attacked the Bank of Lyerly, using explosives to blow open the bank safe and escaping with approximately $4,000 in cash and valuable papers.
The crime was anything but quiet.
Historical accounts say Mrs. J.M. Rose, who lived near the bank, heard suspicious activity and initially believed someone was prowling around her property. She fired shots in an effort to frighten the intruders away.
Instead, the burglars returned fire and ordered her back into her house.
After learning of the robbery, Sheriff Wimpee called for assistance, and bloodhounds were brought from Chattanooga to help track the suspects.
Chattanooga’s Famous Bloodhound Officer
Historical records show that Perry W. Phipps, also identified in period records as P.W. Phipps, was a veteran Chattanooga law officer who had become well known throughout the region for tracking criminals with trained bloodhounds.
Phipps had been working with tracking dogs for decades by the time of the Lyerly robbery.
An 1894 newspaper account described one of Phipps’ dogs as an already-famous Chattanooga Police Department bloodhound. In that case, Phipps accompanied the dog as it followed the trail of a burglar for more than 20 miles after a railroad depot and post office were robbed.
A later Chattanooga history described Phipps as a veteran lawman whose specialty was detecting criminals with highly trained English bloodhounds. His services and those of his dogs were called upon well outside Chattanooga and Hamilton County.
Historical accounts of the Lyerly robbery say a Chattanooga officer named Phipps arrived with his famed bloodhounds following the bank robbery. The dogs picked up a trail at the bank and followed it toward the railroad depot and then southwest toward Dirtseller Mountain.
Along the route, investigators reportedly discovered bank papers and a bottle of nitroglycerin. Near the foot of Dirtseller Mountain, the search party found dynamite and fuses near an old outbuilding.
The trail eventually led investigators toward the home of Mark McNew, a miner who lived on Dirtseller Mountain. A subsequent search reportedly uncovered papers belonging to the Bank of Lyerly.
Arrests And A Complicated Court Case
The investigation ultimately resulted in arrests and a court case that attracted attention well beyond Chattooga County.
Mark McNew and Frank Mathews were convicted in Chattooga Superior Court in connection with the robbery. Banking industry records from 1914 also document their arrests and convictions for burglarizing the Lyerly bank.
But the case became increasingly complicated.
McNew had implicated Mathews in the robbery, but later repudiated his confession amid allegations that he had been offered immunity and a $500 reward for his testimony.
Mathews was seriously ill with tuberculosis during the proceedings. He died in June 1914 after being convicted and sentenced to 10 years. In a statement shortly before his death, Mathews maintained his innocence and also said McNew was innocent.
Years later, McNew received a pardon.
Sheriff Wimpee And The Bloodhound
The handwritten voucher shared by the Chattooga County Historical Society brings the story back to Sheriff M.W. Wimpee.
The document shows that only months after the Bank of Lyerly robbery and the use of bloodhounds during the investigation, Chattooga County was paying its sheriff to keep and maintain a bloodhound.
The voucher covers the period from June 17 through August 17, 1914 — just months after the January bank robbery.
The surviving records do not conclusively establish that the bloodhound being maintained by Sheriff Wimpee that summer was one of the same dogs used during the Bank of Lyerly investigation. But taken together, the records illustrate how important tracking dogs were to law enforcement during the period.
The old receipt also provides an interesting glimpse into the cost of operating the sheriff’s office in 1914: 62 days of keeping and maintaining a bloodhound cost Chattooga County $15.50.
Wimpee’s tenure as sheriff would end later that same year. Contemporary reporting shows that M.W. Wimpee resigned as Chattooga County sheriff in December 1914 because of ill health. Coroner John E. Dalton temporarily filled the office until Sheriff-elect J.W. Alexander took office.
More than a century later, one handwritten receipt preserved and shared by the Chattooga County Historical Society opens a window into a remarkable chapter of local history — a dynamited bank safe in Lyerly, gunfire in the middle of the night, a posse headed toward Dirtseller Mountain and bloodhounds following the trail.
And just a few months later, Chattooga County still had a bill to pay for keeping a bloodhound ready for the next trail.
Sources
1. Chattooga County Historical Society — 1914 Chattooga County sheriff’s voucher shared on social media in October 2026.
2. The Summerville News, January 1914 — contemporary reporting concerning the Bank of Lyerly robbery, as referenced in later historical accounts.
3. Georgia Historic Newspapers, The Weekly Banner, October 9, 1894 — contemporary account identifying Perry Phipps as the owner and handler of a famous Chattanooga Police Department bloodhound and documenting their tracking of a burglar for more than 20 miles.
4. Historic City, Chattanooga — biographical information on P.W. Phipps and his career as a Chattanooga law officer specializing in tracking criminals with trained bloodhounds.
5. American Bankers Association, Banking, May 1914 — contemporary banking-industry record documenting the arrests and convictions of Mark McNew and Frank Mathews in connection with the Lyerly bank burglary.
6. The Atlanta Constitution, June 28, 1914 — contemporary reporting on Frank Mathews’ death, conviction in the Bank of Lyerly robbery case and his final statement concerning his and McNew’s innocence.
7. The Atlanta Constitution, December 13, 1914 — contemporary report identifying M.W. Wimpee as sheriff of Chattooga County and reporting his resignation because of ill health.
8. Historical account by Cole Cavin, AllOnGeorgia, drawing from The Summerville News and Chattooga County: The Story of Its People — details concerning the Bank of Lyerly robbery, the bloodhound search and the investigation toward Dirtseller Mountain.
Five Injured, Driver Charged Following Side-By-Side Crash In Menlo
Five people were injured and the driver was arrested following a side-by-side crash in Menlo Saturday night, according to preliminary information released by the Georgia State Patrol.
Troopers were dispatched at approximately 11:13 PM Saturday, October 3, to the intersection of Bell Street and 11th Avenue in Menlo.
According to GSP, five people were traveling in a 2004 Yamaha Rhino 600 side-by-side when the vehicle overturned.
The driver was identified as William Marks, 32, of Summerville. GSP said Marks was found to be highly intoxicated and was subsequently arrested for driving under the influence.
Investigators determined the side-by-side was traveling east on Bell Street and down a grade as it approached the T-intersection with 11th Avenue.
GSP said Marks attempted to turn left but was traveling too fast. The side-by-side rolled onto its passenger side before coming to an uncontrolled final rest in the center of the intersection.
All five occupants were unrestrained and were ejected from the vehicle. Three occupants had been riding in the bed of the side-by-side, while two were inside the cab.
A 5-year-old boy was pinned beneath the roll bar of the vehicle and was transported to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital in Chattanooga with injuries.
A 30-year-old woman was transported to Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center with injuries.
A 10-year-old girl and a 33-year-old woman were transported to T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital and Erlanger Medical Center for what GSP described as superficial injuries.
Marks was arrested and charged with two counts of cruelty to children in the second degree, two counts of child endangerment, DUI, reckless driving, no tag, two counts of child restraint violations and unlawful operation of a low-speed vehicle on a highway.
The Georgia State Patrol says the information is preliminary. The crash remains under investigation.
Lyerly Fire Department Hosting Trunk Or Treat And Movie Night
The Lyerly Fire Department is getting ready for a night of Halloween fun with a Trunk or Treat and Movie Night planned for Saturday, October 31, at Lyerly Park.
The event will run from 5 until 9 PM, with trick-or-treating scheduled from 5 until 7 PM. Anyone interested in participating is welcome to set up a trunk and hand out treats.
The Fire Department will provide free hot dogs, and concessions will also be available for purchase.
Following the Trunk or Treat, a free outdoor movie will begin at 7:30 PM. Families attending the movie are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
The event is open to the community and provides families with an opportunity to enjoy Halloween activities together in Lyerly.
Trunk or Treat: 5–7 PM
Outdoor Movie: 7:30 PM
Location: Lyerly Park
Admission: Free
Concessions: Available for purchase
Chattooga County Among Stronger Deer Harvest Areas In Northwest Georgia
Chattooga County was among the stronger deer harvest areas in Northwest Georgia during the 2025–2026 hunting season, according to a new statewide map showing the number of deer reported harvested per square mile.
The map, published by Georgia Afield, uses reported harvest information to compare all 159 Georgia counties. Chattooga County falls in the 4-to-less-than-5 deer harvested per square mile category.
Georgia’s Department of Natural Resources maintains county-level harvest information through Georgia Game Check, which provides detailed harvest data by county and Wildlife Management Area. Georgia hunters are required to report harvested deer through Game Check within 24 hours. Georgia Wildlife
The statewide map shows a noticeable concentration of higher harvest rates across portions of North and Northwest Georgia, although neighboring counties don’t necessarily fall into the same category.
The figures represent reported deer harvested per square mile — not the number of deer living in a county. A county’s harvest rate can be affected by several factors, including available hunting land, access to private property, hunting pressure and hunter participation.
That distinction is important when comparing counties. A higher harvest rate does not necessarily mean a county has a larger or denser deer population.
Georgia DNR also uses annual scientific surveys to estimate statewide deer harvest, hunter effort and hunter success. Game Check serves a different purpose, providing more detailed county-level reporting of harvested animals. Georgia Wildlife
The numbers provide an interesting look back at last year’s season as Chattooga County hunters are already back in the woods for 2026–2027.
Georgia’s statewide archery deer season opened September 12. The regular firearms deer season begins October 17 and continues through January 10 under the state’s 2026–2027 season schedule. Georgia Afield
Sources
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division — Georgia Game Check and Harvest Summaries
Georgia Afield — Georgia Deer Harvest, 2025–2026 Deer Season
Today Is Deadline To Register To Vote In November Election
Chattooga County residents who want to vote in the November 3 General Election have until today, Monday, October 5, to register to vote or update their address.
The October 5 deadline applies to anyone registering for the first time as well as registered voters who need to make an address change before the election.
Today also marks the first day county election officials can begin mailing regular absentee ballots for the November General Election.
Chattooga County voters will have several local questions to decide this year in addition to federal and statewide races.
The local ballot includes the renewal of the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax, or E-SPLOST, along with two homestead exemption questions affecting property taxes.
One of those questions involves a senior citizen homestead exemption for Chattooga County taxes, while another involves the senior exemption for Chattooga County School District taxes.
Voters who live within the Town of Trion will also decide a Trion City Schools bond question.
The next major date on the election calendar is Tuesday, October 13, when advance voting begins.
Advance voting will continue through Friday, October 30, with mandatory Saturday voting scheduled for October 17 and October 24.
Voters planning to cast an absentee ballot by mail should also keep Friday, October 23 in mind. That is the deadline for election officials to receive an application for an absentee-by-mail ballot for the November election.
Georgia voters can use the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page to check their registration status, verify the information on their voter record, view their individual sample ballot and find voting information.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 7 AM until 7 PM.
Chattooga Chamber Offering Venture Lab Business Planning Workshop
The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is offering a business planning workshop later this month as part of its Chattooga Venture Lab, an entrepreneurial program designed to help turn ideas into growing businesses.
The Biz Planning Workshop will be held Wednesday, October 28, from 1:30 until 4:30 PM at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville.
According to the Chamber, Venture Lab consists of six modular workshops offered in different formats to accommodate participants’ schedules. Shared workspace is available, along with mentoring and one-on-one consulting.
The October 28 workshop will focus on helping participants develop an idea into a company and create a plan for its future using small, achievable steps over the course of a month, with hands-on guidance and advice.
The Chamber says virtual and recorded options will also be available within 48 hours for those unable to participate in person.
Registration is required for the workshop.
Chattooga Tax Bills Await State Approval As County Seeks More Than $2 Million In Homeowner Relief
Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Cooper Hampton says millage rates have now been set for Chattooga County, Chattooga County Schools, Menlo and Lyerly, with each entity adopting the rollback millage rate.
Even with the rates set, 2026 property tax bills cannot yet be mailed because the county is still waiting on approval from the Georgia Department of Revenue.
Hampton said the Department of Revenue must review the county’s documents and calculations to make sure the tax digest has been completed in accordance with Georgia law.
According to Hampton, the county has been cleared in all areas except for the number of property tax appeals. Once the required threshold is met, the county can receive state approval and move forward with its application for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant.
Hampton said she is hopeful approval can be obtained while grant funds are still available.
The Tax Commissioner’s Office already has all current millage rates entered into its system and can provide taxpayers with their 2026 tax bill amounts, but the office cannot yet accept payments.
Hampton said she has calculated Chattooga County’s application for the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant at $2,005,681.34 on behalf of county taxpayers.
Of that amount, $1,131,465.33 would go toward the county school portion of taxes shown on the Five Year History, while $874,216.02 would go toward the county portion.
Hampton noted that all cities in Chattooga County, along with Trion City Schools, will apply separately for funding through the same grant program.
The Tax Commissioner also said several letters have recently been mailed by the Chattooga County Assessor’s Office in response to appealed property values.
Taxpayers who receive one of those letters are being encouraged not to delay in responding.
Hampton said her office can also provide estimates based on new property values sent out by the Assessor’s Office, helping taxpayers understand what those revised values could mean for the amount of taxes they may owe.
For more information, taxpayers can contact the Chattooga County Tax Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0702.
Veterans Invited To Coffee And Company At Chattooga Public Library
Local veterans are invited to spend a morning enjoying coffee, pastries and fellowship during the monthly Veteran’s Coffee & Company gathering at the Chattooga Public Library.
The next gathering will be held Tuesday, October 13, from 10 AM until 11 AM at the library, located at 360 Farrar Drive in Summerville.
Veteran’s Coffee & Company is held on the second Tuesday of each month and is hosted by the Chattooga Public Library and Transitions Hospice Care.
Organizers say the gathering provides veterans with an informal opportunity to connect with fellow veterans in the community while enjoying coffee and pastries.
There is no charge to attend, and area veterans are encouraged to stop by and take part in the fellowship.
For additional information, contact Irene at Transitions Hospice Care at 678-386-5364 or Shelly at the Chattooga Public Library at 706-857-2553.
Chattooga County Transit Already Serving Local Riders As County Seeks Continued Federal Funding
A recent WZQZ News and ChattoogaInfo report about Chattooga County’s application for federal rural transit funding prompted a number of social media comments from residents who did not realize the county already operates a public transportation system.
The Chattooga County Transit System is already in operation and provides transportation for medical appointments, shopping, social services and other needs. The system is dispatched through the Chattooga County Public Works Department and currently operates three transit buses.
One bus operates a continuous route serving senior citizen housing areas and other residential neighborhoods, with transportation to local supermarkets and stores.
A second bus is available for call-in service for doctor’s appointments, healthcare trips and other transportation needs.
The county also provides transportation to and from Rome for residents who need dialysis treatments or appointments with doctors in Floyd County.
What Does It Cost?
The county currently lists the fare for trips within Chattooga County at $2 one way.
Transportation to Rome is listed at $10 roundtrip.
The county says fares are cash only and exact change is required.
Why Transit Is Back In The News
The transit system came back into the spotlight after Chattooga County published notice that it is applying for continued federal assistance under Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which supports public transportation in rural areas.
The public notice was published September 24, beginning a 15-day public comment period. Residents have until Friday, October 9, to submit comments or request a public hearing concerning the county’s application. Chattooga 1180
As part of the application process, the county is asking residents to comment on local rural transportation services. Input is being specifically requested from elderly, low-income and disabled residents and their representatives so their transportation needs can be considered.
Private for-profit transportation operators are also being given an opportunity to provide input or express interest in participating in the program.
Residents may request a public hearing to discuss either the transportation services being offered or development of the funding application. If no response is received during the 15-day comment period, the county transit system will proceed with the application.
Comments and hearing requests should be submitted to Chattooga County Commissioner Andy Allen, 10102 Commerce Street in Summerville. The Commissioner’s Office can be reached at 706-857-0700.
How To Use The Transit System
Residents who want information about routes, scheduling a trip or whether transportation is available for a particular need can contact Chattooga County Public Works at 706-857-0736 or the Commissioner’s Office at 706-857-0700. Chattooga County
The recent discussion over the county’s funding application has highlighted a service that some residents apparently did not know was already available. For people who do not drive, need transportation to medical care or need a ride to local stores, Chattooga County Transit is already providing those services.
Sources
Chattooga County Government — Transit System
WZQZ News/ChattoogaInfo — Chattooga County Transit System Seeking Federal Funding For Rural Transportation, October 2, 2026
Four Chattooga County Shelter Dogs Enter Hays State Prison Training Program
Four dogs from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter are getting a new opportunity to prepare for permanent homes through a partnership with Hays State Prison.
The Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter announced that Addi, Rags, Sadie and Spud have been accepted into the Second Chance Program at Hays State Prison.
The program pairs selected shelter dogs with participants at the prison, giving the animals additional training, structure and socialization outside of the shelter environment.
This is not the first group of local shelter dogs to benefit from the partnership. Earlier this year, Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long said dogs participating in the Hays program work on basic commands and house training while receiving additional socialization. The time away from the shelter also allows the animals to decompress, build confidence and develop skills that can help prepare them for adoption.
Long previously said the partnership has already resulted in dogs finding permanent homes, including through connections made with Hays State Prison employees and during family visitation events.
The program also fits into a larger Georgia Department of Corrections effort involving shelter and rescue dogs. GDC has operated canine programs at correctional facilities that pair dogs with offenders or detainees for training while providing participants with opportunities to learn animal-care and job skills.
Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter thanked Hays State Prison for continuing the local program, saying Addi, Rags, Sadie and Spud will receive training, structure, socialization and plenty of attention as they prepare for their future homes.
For the four shelter dogs, their acceptance into the program represents another step toward the ultimate goal — finding permanent families.
Sources: Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter; previous WZQZ/ChattoogaInfo reporting; Georgia Department of Corrections.
Arrest Report - Sunday - October 4, 2026
Here is the latest arrest report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office for Sunday, October 4, 2026:
Rainy Sunday Ahead Before Drier, More Fall-Like Weather Arrives
A wet and cloudy Sunday is in store for Chattooga County before a cold front brings several days of drier and more fall-like weather to Northwest Georgia.
The National Weather Service says showers and thunderstorms will become increasingly widespread today, with rain likely after 11 AM. Patchy fog is also possible, and with clouds and rain holding temperatures down, the high will only reach around 77 degrees.
The chance of rain is 70 percent, with generally a quarter to a half-inch possible locally. However, the atmosphere contains an unusually high amount of moisture, meaning some thunderstorms could produce locally heavy rainfall.
Forecasters say rainfall totals of one to two inches could be common across portions of Georgia, with isolated locations potentially receiving three to four inches or more where heavier showers repeatedly move over the same areas.
The greatest threat for flash flooding is expected south of Interstate 20, and no Flood Watch has been issued for Northwest Georgia at this time.
Rain chances decrease to around 30 percent tonight, with showers and thunderstorms mainly possible before 1 AM. Patchy fog could develop before 3 AM, and the overnight low will be around 64.
Drier Air Arrives Monday
The front will push through North Georgia Monday morning, allowing considerably drier air to move into Chattooga County.
Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 81. North winds around 10 mph could gust as high as 20 mph.
The biggest change will become noticeable Monday night as cooler and less humid air settles into the area. Skies will be mostly clear with a low around 56 degrees.
Tuesday will be sunny with a high near 81 and a low Tuesday night around 53.
The dry weather continues Wednesday and Thursday. Wednesday’s high will be near 83, followed by around 84 Thursday. Overnight temperatures will remain in the lower to middle 50s.
Friday should remain mostly sunny with a high near 83.
Forecasters are watching another change for next weekend, when the frontal boundary could move north again and return Gulf moisture to the region. That could bring another round of unsettled and rainy weather, although details remain uncertain this far out.
Black Bear Activity Prompts Safety Reminder Across Northeast Alabama And Northwest Georgia
Recent black bear activity in northeast Alabama, combined with bear sightings across Northwest Georgia, is providing a timely reminder for residents to take precautions around their homes and while spending time outdoors.
A black bear has recently made repeated visits to a home in Fort Payne, where cameras captured the animal searching through trash. The bear has reportedly returned several times, including during daylight hours.
The activity is especially noteworthy for residents of DeKalb and Cherokee counties in Alabama and the Cloudland area of Chattooga, Walker and Dade counties in Georgia, where the mountainous, heavily wooded terrain provides suitable bear habitat across the state line.
However, black bears are not confined to mountainous areas. Sightings have also been reported in lower-elevation valley areas of Northwest Georgia, including places well away from the higher ridges and mountains. Bears can travel considerable distances while searching for food, mates and new territory.
Alabama wildlife officials say a small breeding population of black bears has become reestablished in the Lookout Mountain area of DeKalb and Cherokee counties. Bears can also move through adjoining areas of Georgia, including the higher elevations around Cloudland and lower-elevation communities nearby.
Across the state line, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources says North Georgia is home to one of the state’s three distinct black bear populations.
Fall is also an important time for bears. Wildlife officials say bears enter a period known as hyperphagia, when they spend much of their time searching for food and consuming additional calories in preparation for winter.
That search for food can sometimes bring bears closer to homes, particularly when garbage, pet food, bird feeders or other easy food sources are available.
Wildlife officials on both sides of the state line stress that residents should never intentionally feed a bear. Even unintentionally providing food can teach a bear to associate homes and people with an easy meal.
Residents in Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia can reduce the chances of attracting bears by securing garbage, bringing pet food inside, keeping grills clean and removing other potential food sources.
If someone encounters a black bear, wildlife officials advise against approaching it. Give the animal plenty of room and allow it an escape route. If a bear sees you, back away slowly rather than running.
Black bears naturally tend to avoid people, and removing food sources around homes is one of the most effective ways to prevent conflicts.
The recent Fort Payne activity is another reminder that bears are part of the wildlife population on both sides of Lookout Mountain and can also turn up in the valleys and other lower-elevation areas of Northeast Alabama and Northwest Georgia.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month Focuses On Protecting Georgians From Online Threats
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Georgia emergency management officials are encouraging residents, businesses and government agencies to take simple steps to protect themselves from increasingly common online threats.
The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency is joining the nationwide campaign led by the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. This year’s theme is “Securing the Next 250,” emphasizing protection of the nation’s infrastructure and the services Americans depend on as the country enters its next era.
While cybersecurity can sound like an issue primarily affecting large businesses and government agencies, many of the precautions promoted during October also apply to individuals and families in Chattooga County.
Email and text-message phishing attempts, compromised passwords and fraudulent links can give criminals access to personal information, financial accounts, email and social-media accounts.
GEMA/HS Director Josh Lamb said cybersecurity is no longer simply an information-technology issue. Cybersecurity now plays a role in protecting communities, infrastructure and services used by Georgians every day.
Among the steps recommended during Cybersecurity Awareness Month are:
- Use strong, unique passwords rather than using the same password for several accounts.
- Turn on multifactor authentication when it is available. This requires an additional method of verification before someone can access an account.
- Watch for phishing attempts in emails, text messages, direct messages and phone calls. Verify who sent a message before clicking a link or downloading an attachment.
- Keep software and devices updated, including installing security updates when they become available.
- Back up important information so files can be recovered if a computer or system is compromised.
Federal cybersecurity officials recommend passwords that are long, random and unique and encourage the use of password managers. They also recommend enabling automatic software updates when possible.
The precautions are especially important when an unexpected message creates a sense of urgency — such as claiming an account will immediately be closed, a payment is overdue or personal information must be verified. Instead of following a link contained in an unexpected message, consumers can independently contact the company, bank or organization involved.
Businesses, schools, local governments and other organizations are also encouraged to train employees to recognize phishing attempts, require strong passwords and multifactor authentication, regularly back up data and have plans in place for responding to cyber incidents.
Georgia requires utilities and government agencies to report cybersecurity incidents to GEMA/HS. Private citizens who believe an online account or personal information has been compromised should contact the appropriate financial institution, company or law-enforcement agency depending on the circumstances.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues throughout October, with the overall message that relatively simple security measures can make it more difficult for criminals to gain access to personal information, accounts and computer systems.
Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival Returns To Dowdy Park October 10
Chivalry, costumes, entertainment and a little bit of medieval fun will return to Summerville next Saturday with the 2026 Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival.
The festival will be held Saturday, October 10, from 11 AM until 5 PM at Dowdy Park and is being presented by the City of Summerville.
Organizers describe the event as offering “chivalry, romance, and a rollicking good time,” with activities designed for visitors of all ages.
The festival will feature live entertainment, shopping, art, games and food, along with characters and costumes that bring a Renaissance atmosphere to downtown Summerville. Admission to the festival is free, and visitors are encouraged to come dressed in character if they would like to take part in the fun.
Another attraction during the day will be the arrival of the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam engine. The train’s visit will include activity at the Summerville Turntable at 1 PM, adding another attraction for visitors attending the festival.
The annual event is centered around the Summerville Depot and Dowdy Park area and combines the city’s railroad heritage with a day of Renaissance-themed activities.
The 2026 Summerville Mini Renaissance Festival gets underway at 11 AM Saturday, October 10, and continues until 5 PM.
Woman Reports Being Punched By Unknown Man At Summerville Home
Summerville Police are investigating after a woman reported that an unknown man struck her in the face after she opened the back door of her home.
According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, the incident happened at a residence on Ramey Street in Summerville. Police classified the reported offense as battery.
The woman told police she heard a noise in her backyard and went to investigate. When she opened the rear exterior door, she reportedly encountered an unknown white male standing on her back porch.
She described the man as being in his early 20s with curly blond hair, wearing a black or gray T-shirt and orange shorts.
According to the report, the woman said the man immediately struck her on the left side of her forehead with a closed fist, causing her to fall backward into the residence. The man then ran from the scene in an unknown direction.
The responding officer reported seeing a visible knot on the left side of the woman’s forehead. Emergency Medical Services responded and evaluated her injuries, but she declined transportation to the hospital.
Police interviewed the woman’s husband, who said he had just returned from work and did not witness what happened. An acquaintance who was at the residence also told police she did not know anyone who would want to harm the woman.
However, the acquaintance told police that former acquaintances could possibly be involved and mentioned a black Chevrolet truck that she said had previously been seen slowly passing the residence. According to the report, the woman said she had also seen the vehicle multiple times and believed it was occupied by two males who are twins. The report does not identify those individuals or establish that they were involved in the alleged attack.
The officer also canvassed the surrounding property and spoke with a neighbor who said he had been sitting on his porch for approximately an hour and a half before police arrived and had not noticed anyone in the woman’s backyard.
No arrests were made.
More Than 2,300 Attend Finster Fest As Paradise Garden Looks Ahead To Fall Events
More than 2,300 people visited Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden in Pennville for Finster Fest 2026, bringing visitors from across the country and the local community together for two days of art, music and celebration of one of Chattooga County’s best-known cultural landmarks.
Paradise Garden Foundation announced the attendance figure following this year’s festival, thanking the artists, musicians, volunteers, sponsors, patrons, visitors and community members who helped make the annual event possible.
Finster Fest is a signature event at Paradise Garden and celebrates the life, work and influence of internationally known folk artist Howard Finster. The two-day festival brings artists and musicians to the four-acre visionary art environment each year while introducing new visitors to Finster’s work and the community where he created it.
With Finster Fest now complete, Paradise Garden is turning its attention to a full schedule of fall activities.
The next event is “ART THAT MOVES — AND MOVES YOU,” a new exhibition featuring Georgia artist Charlie Dingler. The exhibition opens Saturday, October 10, at 2 PM, with Dingler scheduled to be at Paradise Garden to meet visitors.
Organizers say the exhibition’s name reflects two aspects of Dingler’s work. Some pieces literally come to life through movement, while others are designed to encourage viewers to stop, look and respond to the art.
Fall also offers visitors an opportunity to explore Paradise Garden outside the busy festival weekend. The historic site includes Finster’s mosaic pathways, artwork and structures spread across four acres, along with the restored World’s Folk Art Church.
Paradise Garden is also continuing a fundraising effort that allows supporters to purchase personalized bricks that will become part of the site. Proceeds from the brick program are being used to help improve accessibility at the Garden while supporting preservation of the historic property.
Paradise Garden was the home and creative environment of Howard Finster, who transformed the property into an elaborate collection of folk art, sculptures, mosaics, buildings and religious imagery. Today, the site continues to preserve Finster’s work while serving as an arts and cultural destination for Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.